Tuesday, June 30, 2009

The lovely Marcia over at The Stamp Spot has decided to head in a new direction and open an online stamping and scrapbooking store. And it opens for business TOMORROW - check out the store here!!! Marcia is also looking for some Aussie crafters for her DT - and you can check that out here. Firstly I'd really like to wish Marcia all the very best on her exciting new venture - I've already checked out what she's got in store and will be putting my first order in ASAP. It's just a shame the pre-order for our new SU mini starts tomorrow too - there goes my bank balance for another month!!!

I decided to apply for the DT and - as some of the stamps on my wish list are the new Miss Anyas - I decided to use one of the original Miss Anya's on my card! I've used the sketch upside down and made it short and fat - or in other words - square. You may have noticed I'm into square cards at the moment - LOL.

I've coloured Anya with my Sketch and Copic markers and cut her out with my nesties. The base Kiwi Kiss layer has been run through the Forest Branches folder of my cuttlebug and the stripes are from the fabulous Urban Garden DP - I used both sides from one sheet and was VERY happy to be able to fussy cut and get the little blue hummingbird in the corner.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Most of my recent cards have been a result of my playing along with challenges - but this one is just for fun! It did start off being another card for the current JCBC challenge but as I put it together my idea of how I wanted it to look didn't go with the elements of the sketch. I also have a few birthdays coming up so I know it'll have a home soon! I LOVE challenges because they make me think outside the box - and I have become a more confident crafter because of them. They are also a fabulous source of inspiration - I highly recommend challenges to anyone!

This card is my first attempt at colouring an image with black hair, I only just bought myself some black and grey Touch markers (they were on sale!!!). I decided to go with an image that has lots of lovely hair to colour - so let me introduce "Untamed" - a fabulous Gorjuss Girl. I coloured her in at the ice rink so was glad to see everything looked OK in decent light - I have put a request in for a daylight lamp to take to the rink - so hopefully the bad lighting there won't bother me in the future.

The CS colours I've used are Whisper White and Lovely Lilac - with Basic Black swirls and Urban Oasis DP. The flower centre is a filigree brad but I used a Lilac rhinestone brad in the centre. I also popped a Lilac rhinestone brad underneath the sentiment - which I punched using my square punches - with one corner taken off and set on point. I was really happy with the final result and hope you like it too...

The kids are on holidays for 2 weeks - which means I am too as I work at a school - YIPPEEEEE. I nearly have my sewing project done so am hoping to be able to enjoy some crafting time for myself over the next 2 weeks too, especially as the weather is perfect for staying home in the warm!!!!

Friday, June 26, 2009

As you may remember if you've been following my blog, I joined a recipe swap over at Abra Leah's blog. I did check if she was happy to have an international swapper before joining and she said yes as we all send stamped self addressed envelopes with our swaps for the returns - it makes is easy on everyone!! The funny thing was neither of us registered at the time the fact that I couldn't buy U.S. stamps for my SASE!!!! Luckily we have worked out a solution to the problem and I could continue with my swaps.

The theme for this month is Summer Appetisers. I hope I've done the right thing because - even though we all speak English - the terminology is different in our countries for different things - including menu courses. For example - we have entrees as a starter and then a main meal - whereas in America the entree IS the main meal, if I remember right. I've also had to adapt some of the measurements and ingredient names to suit American weights and ingredients - thank goodness I lived in America for 18 months and have a little idea of some of the differences - hope I picked them all up - LOL.

This recipe is for Crab Crepes - a light and fresh tasting start to any meal. Apologies for blurring the recipe but I need to save something for the girls in the swap!

The recipe is fairly easy but there is quite a list of ingredients, so I had to tuck the cooking method in behind. I used my Word Window punch to create a slot in the DP layer to make a pocket for the pull out. I've used some Windsor Knot DP from SU which has a sort of sea "bubble" feel to it - in keeping with the theme of the recipe. I've also used my "wavy" divine swirls CB folder and "deep sea" pearl flower centres for the same reason! And of course the cute crab from the retired Crab and C. was a no-brainer of a choice - LOL.

I'm hoping this recipe card will be used by the recipients as it's one of my favourite dishes! I'm planning on trying all the recipes I receive too - watch out kids!!!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

This week's fabulous sketch for the Just Christmas and Birthday Cards challenge is from Anne. I decided to do a square card this week - I'm loving the look of these and it fit the sketch better, but they aren't as easy to file away in my box for later - or to get envelopes for! This is actually 5-3/4" square as it fits our Aussie A4 size better.

My image and sentiment are from a retired SU set called Sassy and Seasonal. It's a great little set because there are a few different things Miss Sassy can pile onto her sled. She reminds me a little of the Bellas too - whom I think are cute! Today she's pulling her tree home on her sled - although the way she's dressed I'm surprised some handsome young man hasn't offered to help, I certainly don't dress like this to get a tree - LOL.

I've actually cut the tree out and popped it up on Dimensionals - originally because I wasn't sure it would fit in the nestie oval - but in the end the effect is better anyway. The background is stamped in Real Red using the snowflake from Winter Post and then cuttlebugged with my Swiss Dots folder. The little Garden Green snowflake has been cut in my CB using a CB die. I've coloured using my Sketch markers and blinged it up with Dazzling Diamonds and red rhinestones.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Last night I had a very quiet evening at home - my son was tucked up in bed, my daughter was out at her boyfriend's and my hubby was on a plane to Brussels! So I decided to sit in front of the TV and colour up some images - one thing led to another and by the time I went to bed I had completed Keesh's sketch challenge for the week! I really should have been sewing but had no motivation for it!I love putting Whisper White, Kraft and Black together, and this DP is one of my faves! It is such a stylish combination! So after I coloured this image I thought it would be the perfect background for this elegant red flower from Bloomin' with Beauty. I have toled the petals of the flower and the leaves for added effect - all in all a very simple card, but I'm really happy with it!

And it was lovely to relax on a Sunday evening doing something I love!

xXx

Edit - have just realised my card is similar to Tracey'sin the colours and papers she's usedfor the challenge - I loved hers when I saw it but hadn't realised what an impact it had on me until I revisited her blog! I should call this a CASE of her wonderful card, just wish it wasn't for the same challenge - LOL!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

There has been a little bit of a change over at Magnolia Down Under Challenges - we have decided to run the challenge fortnightly for a variety of reasons. And what happens this week - with 2 weeks to make my DT card I left it to the last minute again - LOL.

The challenge is to use cream/white , brown and one extra colour - either pink, blue or orange. Can you guess I chose blue!! The DP is from SU Bella Blue, my cream is Very Vanilla CS and my brown is Chocolate Chip CS. I've stamped Tilda with Memento Black ink and coloured her in with a combination of Copic and Touch markers.

I found this fabulous cobweb ribbon at a local store and and thought it would go perfectly on this card - so I bought a whole metre, and a couple of metres in other colours too - LOL!!! You can never have enough ribbon! I framed the right side of my image using half a nestie - I didn't want it to cover the ribbon but I felt it needed something.

Now it's your turn!!! Head over to MDUC and check out what the other DT members have done and then give it a go yourself!

Friday, June 19, 2009

Last Tuesday I held a class using the fabulous Holiday Line-Up set and the current In-Colours. The girls made 3 set cards to start with and then I let them loose to re-create the cards in different colours, or use one of my other Holiday Line-Up cards as inspiration.

This is the only card of the 3 I haven't posted yet - so I thought I'd share it with you. I know we Aussies don't have the Top Note die in our catalogue, but I was lucky enough to have my hubby bring one home for me from The States. I gave each of my class participants a laminated template of the small and the large size so they could re-create these at home if they wished.

I also realised too late that I had ordered Real Red ribbon instead of Riding Hood Red. Not to worry - a quick lesson on how to get REALLY dirty hands by running white taffeta ribbon across an ink pad solved the problem. I was going to run the ribbon through again because there were some white streaks - especially along the edge - but decided I liked the look.

For those asking - the sewing is "progressing"!!! I need to get it done in the next week or so and then I'll see if I can get a decent picture to post for you - although not sure I'll have someone willing to model it! Hopefully I'll be back in full blogging swing soon - although the kids start holidays in a week.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Yesterday I had a wonderful time over at Kristy Young's place (aka Princess). It was her birthday last week and she decided to help celebrate the day by having a bunch of SU demos over for lunch and some stamping fun. While I was there I was playing around making some flowers and I came home having made a daisy using the Sizzix Flower, Daisies #2 die in Pink Pirhouette. I used an embossing tool to cup each of the petals for extra dimension - so easy but what a difference it makes! This morning I decided I would try and incorporate it into a card for Keesh's Inkspiration Challenge for the week.

I felt the challenge called for soft muted tones so I combined my pink daisy with some Sage Shadow leaves I paper pieced onto the stamped background - I used the leaves from God's Beauty - a hostess set in the American catalogue. The background is Kraft which is the colour of one of the pillows. The centre of the daisy is pencil shavings - an idea I got from Donna over at Butternut Sage - she has developed a version of Flower Soft and she explains it here. I think my shavings may be a bit too big but I love the rustic look. I also left my shavings natural in colour as I felt it went better with the natural feel of the whole card. I don't actually have a pencil sharpener that gives fine shavings so you can imagine my neighbour's face when I saw his and asked if I could have them - I think he believes I'm a little crazy - LOL.

The cushions in Keesh's Inkspiration picture are a fairly elegant with the satin embossed look - I've added a pearl to the "i" in the sentiment as my touch of elegance!

Now I must go and start some sewing - I'm making the costume for Titania in the High School's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream - so apologies if my blogging falls behind for a few days.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

WOW - I won last week's challenge over at Just Christmas and Birthday Cards with this Holiday Line Up card!!!! I'm over the moon about it too - not only have I made a head start on my Christmas cards and had a lot of fun - I've also won a really cute stamp!!! My hubby is rapt too - new rubber I haven't had to pay for - LOL.

Now onto this week's fabulous sketch by Simone. I've cheated a bit by using a border of pin holes around the perimeter of the card to give the illusion of another layer - I just couldn't find anything I liked as much to go with the busyness of the image layered onto 2 different DPs from the Holiday Treasures set. The Ruby Red gives a lovely warm glow behind the snow globe image and I think it off sets the snowflakes beautifully. I just wish you could see the sparkle of the Dazzling Diamonds and rhinestones.

The image is from the retired SU set Snow Globe - a set I was reminded to use after I saw another snow globe card created by Leonie over at A Stamper's World this week - check it out here. It's such a fun set because it has various scenes to use.

It actually feels a little like a traditional Christmas at the moment - snow has started falling in the snow fields and the coats and scarves have come out to play. Having been born in the England I have fond memories of cold Christmases and the smell of baking at my Nana's house - no wonder we celebrate "Christmas in July" here in Australia!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Recently I bought myself a few High Hopes stamps. I can thank Amy Wegener for this - she always does the most amazing things and it's her fault I popped over the the High Hopes website to have a look and maybe make a purchase - LOL!!! The gang over at High Hopes are just wonderful to deal with too!

This week's challenge over at the High Hopes Blog is a fabulous sketch and gave me the opportunity to ink one of my fabulous new stamps called "First Ride" - isn't it cute?!?!

I've coloured the dragons in a mix of SU watercolour crayons and SU markers blended with my Aquapainter - I love to try out different ways to colour! I usually use just the crayons but found I could add a more intense colour where I wanted to with the markers - and then just blend them in!

The fabulous flowers, leaves and charms come from the wonderful prize pack I won from Bizzy Becs - am loving the charms!! All the CS and DPs are from Stampin' Up of course.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Last weekend marked the 40th Birthday party for one of my friends. Cheryl is not only a friend but a fellow stamper so 4 of us got together and put together a SU parcel for her - I can't wait to see what she does with it!!

Recently the ultra talented Norma recently made this 50th birthday card which I just LOVED! I love everything Norma does though so this wasn't surprising - LOL. Do yourself a favour and check her blog out here - especially if you love Magnolia stamps! I decided to CASE Norma's card for Cheryl - and I even picked the same Tilda without realising it until I revisited the card to refresh myself about the layout!!! This card is 6"x6" as we have a few signatures to collect on it!

I used a computer font to print the 40 outline onto Real Red cardstock - I must have been a funny sight holding Tilda up to the computer screen repeatedly to check on size and designs - LOL. I then thumped Real Red ink over the CS before cutting the numbers out and sponging black around the edges. The flowers, leaves and swirls have been cut using sizzix dies from the US Stampin' Up catalogue. The DP is from my stash and is a Kaisercraft paper I bought when doing my daughter's red and black 16th album!

Big thanx to Norma for her wonderful inspiration and Happy 40th Birthday to Cheryl!!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

I knew exactly what I was going to do for this challenge - and got it done ahead of time for a change!! This week's challenge at Magnolia Down Under is "All About a Boy" and I bought this wonderful car stamp from Alota Stamps with Edwin in mind! How perfect is it for the men in your life!!! I had expert advice from my 10yo car fanatic son on where to use my silver glitter gel pen for the chrome - you should see how it sparkles IRL - a finish any man would be proud off - LOL. My son's only criticism was that I should have clipped Edwin's wings NOT glittered them up with Dazzling Diamonds - ah well - he'll have to put up with his mum's love of bling! The "Eddy '09" number plate was my daughter's contribution - but the possibilties are endless!

The background is the gorgeous new SU Gratuitous Grafitti stamp inked up in River Rock - so perfect for boys! The "tyre tread" in the middle of the sentiment is from SU Circle Circus. The car windows and lights have had Crystal Effects added - it really is amazing how much this card shines! The star brads are from the SU Hodgepodge set and the Real Red strip has had Real Red ink thumped onto it directly from the ink pad - I LOVE the texture this easy technique adds!

Don't forget to pop over to MDUC and check out what the rest of the DT did - and we look forward to seeing your entries too!!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Well who on Earth would have used these colours for a Christmas Card?? ME - that's who - LOL. Keesh sure has chosen a fun and funky combo. When I wrote down the challenge colours and headed off to my desk I had NO IDEA where to start - I pulled several stamps sets out and then saw my Holiday Line Up set sitting there from making my last card - and I thought "why not!!"

I'm not really sure if I've pulled this off but I certainly have had a lot of fun with these guys - and I think I know just the person to send this to at Christmas!! I love having friends who are that little bit whacky like me!!!

Yay - now I get to head over and check out what the rest of Keesh's DT put together for the challenge - I try NOT to check them out before I do mine as I find it too distracting.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

One of the great things about having a blog is that people come and visit - and may even leave a comment! These comments can create amazing trans-global friendships as well as be a way of finding fabulous new blogs and challenges. This is how I came across the fantastic Christmas and Birthday Cards Blog. Now given that we're nearly half way through the year - I KNOW, AAAGH!!! - I figured I had best start getting some Christmas cards done! I just LOVED this sketch from Tanja so thought I'd stop procrastinating and go DO! And here is the result...

Needless to say I've had to turn the sketch sideways to accomodate the Holiday Line-Up snowmen - boy are these guys a fave of mine!! You can colour them up in no time - and the colour combos are endless!!! I've used a variety of SU blues and SU Creamy Caramel markers here. AND they adore a bit of bling - after all snow sparkles in the sunshine!!

My base card is Ballet Blue and the DP is from Urban Oasis - who knew such trendy paper could do Christmas - LOL. My Cuttlebug has been in use too - the wonderful snowflake folder, so perfect for Christmas, and the off centred scallop ring was cut using my scallop circle nesties. I've slathered 2 Way Glue over the scallop and drenched it in more Dazzling Diamonds. Very festive!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Why have I put the word "finally" into my post title??? Several weeks ago I commented on the wonderful step cards Debbie M over at Hubby's Headache had made - I told her she had inspired me to give them a go!! Well it's taken a bit of time, and an occasional reminder - LOL - but I have FINALLY done one!!! Let me tell you Debbie makes them looks super easy - check out her marvellous creations here.

I confess I struggled with this - I have had this bit of Very Vanilla CS cut and folded for some time! I ended up using the fabulous new release wheel stamp Neighborhood with the Loads of Love and it's accessory set. I've coloured using my SU markers and Blender Pen - not a favourite method of mine so I need the practise - LOL. The DP is from the fabulous Urban Oasis set.

I'm glad I have finally finished this challenge I set myself - but will there be more Step Cards from me??? Your guess is as good as mine - LOL.

Boy do I seem to be sooo far behind at the moment!! I'm not quite sure why! I am battling a cold but that's all...ah well, time to play CATCH UP!

Firstly I have to thank two lovely ladies for honouring me with Blog Awards recently - This one I received form the lovely Carolann over at Black Cat's Miaow. Not only do I consider visiting her blog an honour but she has also become a personal friend with whom time spent stamping usually means time spent laughing! It's meant to be passed on to people who have made a difference to you by their visits to your blog.

This second award was from the lovely Emily over at Emily's Expressions. The rules for this award are...*comment on this blog*cut and paste the award logo and use it on your own blog*nominate 5 to 10 blogs you feel show great attitude and gratitude*link to your nominees within your blog post*comment on their blogs to let them know they received the award*link back to the person who gave you the award to show your appreciation

I figured I had 2 awards to pass on so I could pick some extras - LOL - and restricted myself to Aussie blogs to keep the list in check...

I have also been tagged by Marcia P over at The Stamp Spot - will have to do that one later - but I WILL do it - LOLRecipe Swap Open!!

One other thing I'm up to - I have joined a 6x6 recipe card swap - would you like to play along too? Your pages can be very simple as long as you follow a few simple guidelines....Here is the information you'll need to join in - read the rules and you have until June 10th to sign up. Kristine Breach has done a fabulous example card here , I am working on mine now - LOL, and there are more examples here too. Anyone want to sign up with me???? Can you imagine the fabulous book you'll have by the end, what a great gift for yourself or someone special?????? I think there are still some spots available!

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Here is another teenage birthday card using the Miss Anya Collection from The Greeting Farm. This one is for my friend Deb's daughter, her last year as a teenager!!! Once again I've been playing with my copics and other markers. I also wanted to add some colour behind the sentiment but because we don't have the large oval scallop punch yet here in Oz, I've layered 2 wide oval punched pieces behind the sentiment piece - it added just the right finishing touch! The colours here are Rose Red, Elegant Eggplant and Whisper White.

Monday, June 1, 2009

This card was inspired by the wonderful card Shelli Gardner demonstrated to us at Convention earlier this month. I only recently got the 24-7 set thanx to a very dear friend slipping it into an order I placed with her in the US - my poor hubby came home on Saturday morning with a suitcase full of Stampin' Up - what a guy!!!! I've been itching to ink it up as I just love this set and it was on my wish list. I just LOVED Shelli's design and had to put my spin on it - you can see the original in this post! The wheel stamp I've used is Friendly Words.

This card is for my Convention roomie - Ramona - for her birthday - and also to let her know how great it has been to become her friend! A perfect set to give and receive in friendship!

About Me

I am based in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. I have been married to my wonderful husband for many many years (I was a child bride - LOL) and we have 2 gorgeous, but cheeky, children together - a daughter and a son. I enjoy all kinds of craft and have become a bit of an obsessive stamper lately. I hope to share some of my creative passion with you on my stamping journey and inspire you too.